Hey Yinz Guys,
This is always the worst time of the year to write the season ending email…BEFORE the Super Bowl. The quest for #7 ended at the AFC Divisional Playoff round to a hungry Jacksonville Jaguars team. Despite being down 21 points, the Stillers fought back, but in the end, could not stop the Jags. There will be plenty of time for what-ifs in the offseason as Steeler Nation is once again left oh so close.
SEASON RECAP:
A quick recap…The season started on a bright sunny Sunday in Cleveland and ended against the Jags on a bitterly cold day in the Burgh.
In between, we had the beginning of the Case Keenum era, an overtime loss to DA Bears, a Gatorade jug thrashing, 5 interceptions, KC undefeated no more, a Bungles beatdown, JuJu’s bike and 97-yard reception, Boz to the rescue, Dilly Dilly, Boz-amatic, Shalieve, Ben’s 506 yards and a sweep of the Bungles, Jesse James caught that pass, and the Browns perfect season… Was that quick enough for you?
While we all were looking for a home Super Bowl game, cheer up! You will now get to deal with the pleasant, humble and friendly New England and Philadelphia fans that are about to invade the Twin Cities.
SFOM HIGHLIGHTS:
It was another banner year for the SFOM as there were plenty of new faces and familiar faces this year, as well as plenty of friendships and bonds. Between our Black and Gold Bash, visits from former Steelers and the weekly fun it was a season to remember. For the season, 2543 of yinz came aht to McGovern’s and Tom Reid’s to watch the games, with over 400 for the playoffs! Our average attendance was 141, which is pretty good, considering the number of prime-time games for the Black and Gold!
A special thank you to everyone who came to the games, helped on game day and throughout the season, donated, worked or bought items for the Black and Gold Bash and the Food Drive. We also owe a big thank you to our fearless leaders Rick and Carla McGrath who help put it all together. Also, to our Food Drive Coordinator Ed Beuchel and his ticket sellers. We were able to raise $3,590 for the Second Harvest Food back and through Ed’s tireless efforts he also secured matching funds which brought the total to $10,090! Needless to say, SFOM Food Drive Coordinator will not be one of the coordinators getting changed in Steeler Nation.
PRO BOWL:
If you are missing your Stiller football, this weekend the Pro Bowl will feature plenty of Steelers:
FB: Roosevelt Nix
DE: Cameron Heyward
QB: Ben Roethlisberger
RB: Le’ Veon Bell
K: Chris Boswell
WR: Antonio Brown
C: Maurkice Pouncey
G: David DeCastro
OT: Alejandro Villanueva
*LB: Ryan Shazier (injured)
FREE AGENTS:
There are plenty of decisions to be made. The team’s free agents include:
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:
RB: Le’ Veon Bell
OT: Chris Hubbard
DT: Daniel McCullers
LB: Arthur Moats
WR: Justin Hunter
RB: Stevan Ridley
LB: Sean Spence
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:
P: Jordan Berry
K: Chris Boswell
LB: Anthony Chickillo
DB: Greg Ducre
FB: Roosevelt Nix
WR: Eli Rogers
RB: Fitzgerald Toussaint
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS:
C/G B J Finney
OT Matt Feiler
C: Mike Matthews
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS SIGNED TO EXTENSIONS:
LS: Cameron Canaday
TE: Xavier Grimble
DB: Mike Hilton
SIGNED TO RESERVE/FUTURE CONTRACT:
S: Malik Golden
LB: Darnell Leslie
P: Matt Wile
DE: Lavon Hooks
LB: Keith Kelsey
WR: Justin Thomas
WR: Marcus Tucker
2018 OPPONENTS:
The dates are not set yet but the opponents are for next season:
HOME: AWAY:
Baltimore Baltimore
Cincinnati Cincinnati
Cleveland Cleveland
Atlanta Denver
Carolina Jacksonville
Kansas City New Orleans
Los Angeles Chargers Oakland
New England Patriots Tampa Bay
Our next get together will be for the NFL Draft. Details to follow in the near future.